Hydraulic diaphragm



May 11, 1954 R; R. CROOKSTON HYDRAULIC DIAPHRAGM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 14, 1951 FIG. 3.

INVENTOR. Robert R. Crooksfon,

M y 1954 R. R. CROOKSTON 2,678,065

HYDRAULIC DIAPHRAGM Filed May 14, 1951 2 Sheds-Sheet 2 62 .l 2 6! 80 /85 8! 9! 9O 97 /84 $3 95 62 I m rs l I 70 7/ 73 64 66 5 FIG. '5

INVENTOR. Robert R. Crpok sfon,

Patented May 11, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HYDRAULIC DIAPHRAGM Robert R. Crookston,Houston, Tex., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Standard Oil Development Company, Elizabeth, N. J., a corporation of Delaware The present invention relates to flexible diaphragms which are suitable for exposing to fluid pressure. More particularly, theinvention is directed to a hydraulic diaphragm which has outstanding life characteristics under flexing.

The present invention may be briefly described as acircular diaphragm comprising a deformablebase member defining a U-shaped fold and having at least a layer of woven fiber ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member. Each of the ribbons except a bottom ribbon overlaps a lower ribbon. The ribbons in the layer extend at least across the U-snaped fold of the diaphragm.

The ribbons in the diaphragm of the present invention may extend across a chord of the circular diaphragm to intersect the U-shaped fold or they may be caused to extend radially across the U-shaped fold of the diaphragm, particularly when the diaphragm defines a concentric circular opening. The inventionwill be better understood by reference to the drawing in which Fig; 1 is a view looking. downward on a diaphragm showing the superimposition of the woven fiber ribbons on'the base member;

Fig. 2 is a view of the diaphragm of thepresent invention embodying an annular U-shaped fold;

Fig. 3 is a view taken along the linesIIL-III of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to that of Fig. 2- showing a diaphragm of the present invention defining a concentric circular opening;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of apparatus illustrating the use of diaphragms identical to K those of Figs. 2 and 4; and

Fig. 5 showsan arrangement of the interlacing of a plurality of layers of the diaphragm oi the present invention.

Referring now to the drawing and particularly to Fig. l, numeral designates a deformable base member Whichmay be constructed of synthetic rubber, such as one of the Hycar type. Arranged on the base member isa first ribbon |2-of a woven fibrous material, such as woven nylon, cotton, or the like. Ribbon |2extends across the base member l. Overlapping the ribbon I2 is a second ribbon ifi of the same material which sim ilarly extends across thebase member I. Sim

ilarly, overlapping ribbon |3 is a'third ribbon M which also extends across the base member Ribbons I5, I6, l1, l8, l9, and 20 are arranged similar tothe previously described ribbons and it will be notedthat each succeeding ribbon overlaps the preceding ribbon. It will be noted further that all of the ribbons overlap in an area 2| concentric with the periphery 'of the base member II. The overlapping area 2| assumes roughly a conical shape as shown more clearly in Fig. 3. It is desirable that in each individual layer the lap at the edges is about 50 that is, at least two thicknesses of woven ribbon exist at any spot. The layer of ribbons is molded to the base member "I In the view of the present invention'of Fig; 2 it will be noted that'the deformablebase member defines a U-shapedannularfold and acircular concentric area 26 of greater thickness than the remaining area of member H. The circular concentric area 26-is on aside-oppositefrom that of the layerof ribbons 21, andresults from the overlapping of theribbons at one point 2| shown in Fig. 1. In order to have the diaphragm function properly, it is necessary to compensate for the overlapping of theribbons asshown-in Figs. 1 and 2. V fhile the-circular concentric area 26 is illustrated as a substantially flat raised portion; it may be substantially conical in shape to correspond with the overlapping area 2| of the ribbons.

Referring now toFig. 3, it will be seen that the base member is provided with at least a layer of ribbons 21 on theside opposite'the area 25. The layer 21 is arranged on the side not exposed to fluid pressure.

Referring now to Fig. 4, a base member 36 which has ribbons arranged radially thereto defines a concentric opening 3 The base member 30 alsodefmes an annular Ushaped member 32.

Like-the diaphragm of Figs. 1 to 3, a. plurality of ribbons extend across the base member 30. These ribbons beginning with ribbon 33 overlap each other in a fashion similar to those in Figs. 1 to 3; thus, ribbon 34 overlaps ribbon-33 and ribbon35 overlaps ribbon 34. In a-similar fashion ribbons 3E, 31, 38, 39, 40, 4|, 42, 43, M, 45, 46, 41, 48, 49, 50, 5t, 52, 53, 54, 55,- and 56-each overlap the preceding ribbon, insuring a layer wherein the ribbons are of at least two thicknesses.

housing defines a first cavity in which the plate 63 is arranged. The housing also defines a second cavity 66 in which the plate 64 is located, the two plates being interconnected by threaded bolts 61.

.A first diaphragm 10, in accordance with the present invention, provided with a layer of overlapping ribbons TI is arranged in the housing 60 between the plate 64 and a cover plate 12 which defines an inlet 73. The diaphragm I is arranged in the cavity 65 and is locked securely in place between a shoulder M of the housing 60 and a shoulder 15 of the cover plate '12. This cover plate 12 may be securely bolted to the housing 60 by threaded bolts 16.

A second diaphragm 80 is arranged in the cavity 65. This diaphragm has a concentric opening 8| similar to openings 3| of the diaphragm 30.

The diaphragm 80 is arranged between shoulder 82 of plate GI and shoulder 83 of the housing 60. The diaphragm 80 is also secured to the plate 63 by a locking plate 84 which is secured to plates 63 and 64 by threaded bolts 61. The cover plate 6| defines a port 85 communicating with a source of fluid pressure. The device may suitably be connected to a pressure indicating mechanism. For example, pin 90 whch is sealed against pressur by O-ring 9! may be used to operate an indicating or actuating means not shown.

Referring to Fig. 6, it will be seen that the base member I I is provided with overlapping ribbons which may be designated respectively as 90, 9|, and 92 comprising a bottom layer. Overlapping this bottom layer is a second layer comprised of ribbons 93, 94, 95, and 96 while a top layer of ribbons 97, 98, and 99 is arranged on the middle layer. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, it may be desirable to provide a plurality of layers of woven fiber ribbons to secure the [benefits of the invention.

The present invention may be employed for indicating pressure and in other uses to which a hydraulic diaphragm may be employed, such as for actuating brakes and pumps and in various other numerous requirements to which diaphragms may be put, such as devices controlled by fluid pressure.

The device of Fig. shows the use of two diaphragm 10 and 80, each of which defines, respectively, an annular U-shaped fold TI and 81 and each of which has a layer of ribbons such as H and 83. Fluid pressure may be exerted against the diaphragm 10 through inlet 13 which, in turn, will cause lifting of the plate 64 and the plate 63. A greater pressure than that exerted against diaphragm 10 may be exerted against the diaphragm 80 through port 85 which, in turn, will serve to oppose the upward movement of the plates 63 and 64. A small pressure change in the fluid exerted against either of the diaphragms will thus cause a movement thereof. The plate 6? may be connected to a suitable actuating or indicating means (not shown) by pin 90, which moves in response to movement of plate 61. The U-shaped folds Tl and ill of diaphragms l0 and 80 are thus exposed to stress. By virtueof employing at least a layer of woven fiber ribbons extending at least across the U-shaped. folds, it is possible to reinforce them to the extent of providing a diaphragm of increased resistance toward destruction by the constant flexing that the U-shaped fold thereof undergoes. For example, a diaphragm in accordance with the present invention has been subjected to 90,000 repetitions of 0-500 p. s. i. impact cycles with stroke Without failure. Another diaphragm has been subjected to almost 100,000 cycles from 0 to 1000 p. s. i. with impact at short stroke without destruction.

The woven fiber making up the ribbons of the diaphragm of the present invention may be constructed of either synthetic or natural fibers.

Nylon is an excellent synthetic fiber for use in the diaphragm of the present invention. Cotton and other naturally occurring fibers such as linen, silk, ramie, and the like, may be employed. Other synthetic fibers, such as rayon, and the like may also be used in the ribbons employed in the practice of the present invention.

In the specification and claims where the term ribbon has been'employed, ribbon is used in the sense as defined in Websters New International Dictionary, second edition, unabridged (1936), and in the sense it is used in the textile industry; for example, Carmichael, Linton and Price, Callaway Textile Dictionary, first edition, Callaway Mills, La Grange, Georgia, 1947, define ribbon as follows: Ribbon: a fillet or narrow woven fabric of varying widthscommonly A to 3 incheshaving selvage edges, principally of rayon, silk or velvet and used for trimmings, decorations, etc.

The deformable base member may be constructed of natural or synthetic rubber depending on the fluid to which it is exposed. Rubbers of the general Hycar type may suitably be used. Other synthetic rubbers which may be employed include Buna, Butyl, and the like, which do not acquire a permanent set.

The nature and objects of the present invention having been completely described and illustrated, what I wish to claim as new and useful and to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A diaphragm comprising a deformable base member defining a substantially U- haped fold having at least one layer of woven fiber ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base.

member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across the U- shaped fold of said diaphragm.

2. A circular diaphragm comprising a deform: able base member defining a substantially ushaped annular fold adjacent its periphery hav ing at least one layer of woven fiber ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base.

member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across the U- shaped fold of said diaphragm.

3. A circular diaphragm comprising a deformable base member defining a substantially U- shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery having at least one layer of woven fiber ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of cept a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon,

said ribbons extending at least across a chord of said diaphragm and intersecting said U- shaped fold.

4. A circular diaphragm comprising a deformable base member defining a substantially U- shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery having at least one layer of woven fiber ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially cover ing said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across an outer side of the fold, said diaphragm defining a consaid ribbons, ex

centric area of greater thickness than a remaining area thereof corresponding generally to a point where all of said ribbons overlap.

5. A circular diaphragm comprising a deformable base member defining a substantially U- shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery having at least one layer of woven nylon ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across the U-shaped fold of said diaphragm.

6. A circular diaphragm comprising a deformable base member defining a substantially U- shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery having at least one layer of woven silk ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across the U-shaped fold of said diaphragm.

7. A circular diaphragm comprising a deformable base member defining a substantially U- shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery having at least one layer of woven nylon ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across an outer side of the fold, said diaphragm defining a concentric area of greater thickness than a remaining area thereof corresponding generally to a point where all of said ribbons overlap.

8. A circular diaphragm comprising a deform- .able base defining a substantially U-shaped annular fold adjacent its periphery having at least one layer of woven silk ribbons superimposed thereon and molded to said base member comprising at least two thicknesses of ribbons extending across and substantially covering said base member, each of said ribbons, except a bottom ribbon, overlapping a lower ribbon, said ribbons extending at least across an outer side of the fold, said diaphragm defining a concentric area of greater thickness than a remaining area thereof corresponding generally to a point where all of said ribbons overlap.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 768,984 George Aug. 30, 1904 971,583 Bell Oct. 4, 1910 1,473,998 Mixsell Nov. 13, 1923 1,790,206 Farmer Jan. 27, 1931 2,564,693 Hornbostel Aug. 21, 1951 

